The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-01
AS OTHERS SEE THEM.
Some of the Personal characteristics of Ma
rion COunty's Three Superior Judges.

The Superior Court, of Marion county, is con-
sidered stronger and better than it has been
since its organization. The three judges consti-
tuting this bench are Lewis G. Walker. Daniel
". Howe and Napoleon B. Taylor. the last
named being the oldest OF the three. Each of
them, after full training lawyer. took his
seat upon the bench, and the years of judicial
experience that have followed have added to
their equipment in all that goes to make the
ripened judgment necessary to the position they
hold
The street car company has few poorer patrons
than the three Superior judges, each OF whom
prides himself his pedestrianisrl. Judge
Walker and Judge Taylor are perhaps the best
long distance walkers, Judge Walker moving
with light, elastic step, Judge Taylor more de-
hberately, AS becomes a man of heavier frame.
Judge Howe is fair heel-andtoe traveller. who
goes the ground with a steadiness that DC
complishes more miles than some walkers do by
spurts of speed. He carries a cane, but instead
of using 1t TO facilitate his progress, usually
drags it along behind him.
In the courtroom Judge Howe impresses
as a slow, methodical, cautious man. He is
ceedingly courteous to every one, and especially
favorable in his treatment of Young attorneys.
His courtesy is extreme, and he will listen to a
lawyer who is making tedious, foolish. time
killing speech with urbanity that approaches
the deepest and tenderest sympathy and com
passion. rarely stopping a speaker or keeping
him from having his full say He is very exact
in all his rulings and decisions. He is always
on hand promptly to the minute to open court.
Judge Taylor, like rare Ben Jonson, bega
life brick-layer, and still knows a good job
when he He is of a somewhat nervous
Impairment and at times, with reason be-
comes irritable at hindrances in the way of dis
patching business He is impatient with any
thing that bears an appearance of trifling with
the court and on occasion can bring up Of
Tending attorney with a strong hand. Unlike
Judge Howe and Judge Walker, he usually
remains quiet during case. rarely asking ques-
tons. He does not rely upon technicaities,
and tries case with the view of finding what
there is in it, breaking through technicalIties to
reach the facts and the equity in the case. He
is very pleasant in his intercourse with the bar.
He does not believe in wasting time in fruitess
examination cross examination, over
lengthy discussion of testimony or
facts to the jury. All the Superior judges are
much alike in the trial of divorce cases. and it is
not easy matter TO get legal release from
wife or husband as 1t once was III this county.
Judge Taylor. however when he believes a hus-
band and wife absolutely cannot be reconciled,
and if the causes are satisfactory, will grant
divorce.
Judge Walker, who is as genial man as one
could expect TO meet May morning, has a
high ideal to the dignity and decorum that
belong to a court of justice, and never tolerates
any disorder N the bar among spectators.
His dignity Is for~the bench, and when he sits
there no one doubts that his Honor is the court.
He is very courteous. but believes in the dis
patch of business. and his court matters move
on with as little delay as possible with so
tedious affair as the law. Like Judge Howe,
he is very apt take charge of divorce
himself and frequently questions the witnesses.
elicitlng Information that is quite likely to
prise the attorneys side or the other.
Judge Walker usually delivers meaty and
interesting lecture with each divorce
suit Whether release is granted the unhappy
couple or not they get the lecture-and this is
delivered il such an emphatic way that there is
n misunderstanding IT. Now and Their lecture
is followed by a reconciliation. and the connubial
burden is taken up again in spirit that augurs
well for future felicity.